TRENTON, N.J. — The federal prosecutor who helped convict former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich of corruption was tapped Wednesday to investigate the apparent political payback scandal involving New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s administration.
TRENTON, N.J. — The federal prosecutor who helped convict former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich of corruption was tapped Wednesday to investigate the apparent political payback scandal involving New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s administration.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar will advise a legislative committee investigating a plot that shut down lanes to the George Washington Bridge for four days in September, causing massive traffic jams in the town of Fort Lee.
“A potential misuse of taxpayer resources for political purposes is a serious matter that requires an astute legal eye with experience in this realm to help guide the process,” said Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, a Democrat.
Christie, a possible 2016 presidential candidate, apologized and denied any knowledge of the plot’s planning or execution. The scandal is the most serious threat to his political future so far, and four members of his circle were fired or resigned.